In battle, the command to “retreat” means but one thing! Get back or get out of the situation as quickly as you can. In fact, only shoot back to maximize your chance of escape.

Someone is always left standing behind, for the benefit of the greater number who escape their fate. Who draws that straw?

“He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword!” That seems to be the answer I’ve heard.

Retreat? When a tsunami is approaching and the command is, “Run!” Who is to blame “how” those who obey the command respond? Blame, if any, would be that you didn’t run fast enough! Just what is the proper and dignified way to retreat? Proudly surrender? Proudly run back into the approaching tsunami?

Too many words. Too many rationalizations. Too much blaming. The Republicans put the madness in motion. That is where the accountability should be. And, in that sense, each citizen who voted in this system when George was president (“us”) is somehow responsible. Unfortunately, those who made this obvious blunder will never be held accountable for the wasted lives, as they continue to live.

As for some of us who opposed the decision, both about Iraq and Afghanistan, all I can say is, “Yep. You got a lot of shit on your hands. Don’t ask me how to get them clean at this point.”